Bell hoping to face McGrath

England are hoping to prove their point to Glenn McGrath in person next week as they enter the final Test seeking to end 16 years of Ashes torment.

Michael Vaughan's men go into the fifth match of the npower series with a 2-1 lead and need only a draw to become the first English conquerors of Australia since Mike Gatting's 1986-87 tourists.

Their ambitions may be hampered somewhat by the return of 35-year-old McGrath, who, no doubt inspired by his previous returns in Ashes battles and the fast-bowling masterclass he gave at Lord's in the opening contest, predicted an Australian whitewash.

Since that man-of-the-match display in late July, however, McGrath has missed two of the next three encounters, initially an ankle injury accounting for his absence at Edgbaston before an elbow problem struck in the build-up to Trent Bridge.

The majority of those in the stands or watching on television next Thursday may wish for further aches and pains for a veteran of 131 wickets in 24 Ashes appearances, 17 of which have been won and only four lost.

But England's players, buoyed by their recent form, want to face McGrath - who is far from certain to be fit - and a full-strength Australia to ensure a fitting finale to one of the great series in Test history.

"I believe that's the feeling in the changing room," said Ian Bell. "It doesn't matter what XI is on the park and in a way it would be nice to see Glenn McGrath playing at the Oval.

'Whichever XI is out on the field we'll go and out play good cricket'

"If we can regain the Ashes and their best team is on the park that's the best thing for us. That would be fantastic."

McGrath has done his best to back up his 5-0 jibes with substance, claiming the man-of-the-match award in the first Test while his 14 wickets in two matches is on a par with fellow great Shane Warne's ratio of seven per appearance.

But Bell, who entered the series with just three caps to his name, added: "We have our game plans and we are aware he's a fantastic performer and a class act.

"Whichever XI is out on the field we'll go and out play good cricket like we have done all series."

Bell's inexperience cost him his wicket in the frenzied but ultimately successful chase of 129 for victory in Nottingham last weekend but he is relishing the challenge to dethrone the world number ones.

"Playing in this Ashes has made me realise what I need to do to become a better player," said Bell, 23. "I've enjoyed every minute of this and I'm looking forward to having a good game at the Oval to finish it off.

"You are testing your game out under pressure, more mentally really rather than technically.

"That's what I've learnt in this series: every ball is going at 100 miles-per-hour and you've got to be switched on all the time.

"In future I hope - because of this experience - to play situations in a slightly better way."